Teratogenic Reactions to Drugs

Martz et al. (109) used a mouse model to provide the first evidence that the epoxide metabolite of phenytoin might be similarly implicated in mediating teratogenic reactions to this drug. Pregnant mice were treated 

DNA repair is deficient are more susceptible to these reactions (115). Therefore, although the exact changes in macromolecular structure and function responsible for phenytoin teratogenesis remain to be identified, it is likely that DNA damage plays a critical role in much the same way as has been described for carcinogenic reactions. 

Rawlins MD, Thomas SHL. Mechanisms of adverse drug reactions. In Davies DM, Ferner RE, de Glanville H, eds. Davies s textbook of adverse drug reactions. 5th ed. London Chapman Hall Medical 1998. p. 40-64. 

Melmon KL. Preventable drug reactions — causes and cures. New Engl J Med 1971 284 1361-8. 

Goldstein RA, Patterson R. Drug allergy Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Ann Intern Med 1984 100 302-3. 

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